Wisdom teeth don't need to weigh on your mind. Sure, they'll likely need to be extracted at some point, but those extractions can be viewed as a positive step. As wisdom teeth typically cause more harm than good in our mouths, they can significantly affect our oral health. This week's post lays out the reasons your wisdom teeth may need to go. Get familiar with how nefarious wisdom teeth can be to get excited to have those puppies pulled!

Reasons Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems

They are impacted. It’s easy for wisdom teeth to cause damage to neighboring teeth. They often erupt improperly, at angles that will negatively affect your bite or cause them to push against neighboring teeth. This is the most common reason for wisdom tooth removal, as the teeth are rarely properly aligned.

They become infected. Wisdom teeth are a breeding ground for bacteria. Their surfaces are riddled with fissures that trap bacteria inside and promote decay.

They give rise to periodontal disease. Because of their uneven surfaces and bacteria entrapment, gum disease can arise around the wisdom teeth.

There are cysts present. The wisdom tooth forms within a sac. This sac can become filled with fluid, which may damage nearby teeth, bone, and nerves. In this case, the wisdom tooth must be extracted.

When Should My Wisdom Teeth Be Extracted?

It’s simpler to have your wisdom teeth removed at a younger age, before the teeth have caused damage to your bite, and before your tooth roots are fully developed. It’s commonly recommended to have the teeth removed around 17 years of age, but extractions later in life are also possible. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert Scotto to get a better understanding of the state of your wisdom teeth.